Skip to content

Maley Drive extension running a $4M surplus

Funds may allow more of Maley to be four-laned between Barrydowne and Lansing
111117_hgo_maleydrive
The $80.1 million Maley Drive extension project is running a healthy surplus, city councillors will hear next week, and that could allow the city to extend the four-laning of a section originally planned for two lanes. (File)

The $80.1 million Maley Drive extension project is running a healthy surplus, city councillors will hear next week, and that could allow the city to extend the four-laning of a section originally planned for two lanes.

The project, which will be completed at the end of 2019, is running a $4 million surplus, thanks largely to lower-than-forecast bids on contract tenders, a report headed to city council June 26 says.

“The major reasons are a competitive market for very large earth works contracts in the northeast Ontario region, resulting in lower than expected unit prices, and a savings in the expected cost to relocate utilities,” the report says. 

“Both of the large construction contracts have closed below the estimated budget.”

There's still a chance that the price of other contract tenders and construction issues could eat up the surplus, the report said. But if current trends continue, there's an opportunity to four-lane more of the first phase of the project than originally planned, making the next phase cheaper.

“It can be used to extend the four lanes of Maley Drive from Barrydowne Road to Lansing Avenue, including the construction of a roundabout,” the report said. “This section of Maley Drive is forecast to be one of the busiest sections, and it will reduce the cost and scope of the future Phase 2 Maley Drive project.” 

The project is being funded equally by the city, province and federal government. But if the city adds extra work to the project, and it ends up going over budget, the city would be on the hook for any additional costs.

To get around that issue, the staff report proposes including the new work in the next job tender, but not authorize the work until the budget situation is more certain.

“The authorization for the construction of two of these lanes will be withheld until a future date, likely in early 2019, with language that allows the city to reduce the scope without penalty,” the report said. “Authorization to proceed will be required from the federal government, provincial government and council.

“This approach also minimizes the logistical issues with connecting the two large construction contracts and minimizes the amount of temporary work required to connect the contracts.”

When completed, the Maley extension will complete the ring road around the city, meaning heavy ore and other trucks won't have to travel through town. It's expected to take thousands of vehicles off Lasalle Boulevard each day, which has prompted the city to start looking for ideas to transform Lasalle into a more pedestrian/cycle friend roadway.

The first phase, worth $21 million, saw an interchange built and a realignment of Notre Dame Avenue and should be completed next month. The next phase, worth $44 million, builds the road from Frood Road to Barrydowne Road and should be completed in November 2019.

The last part of the project, still to be awarded, will rebuild Maley Drive from Barrydowne Road to the Falconbridge Highway, and it's also scheduled to be completed in November 2019.


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.




Darren MacDonald

About the Author: Darren MacDonald

Read more